Tough Viking Race Rules

Tough Viking Competition classes follows the rules for OCR set by Svenska Friidrottsförbundet. They can be read here:https://www.friidrott.se/media/jqfdnwee/t%C3%A4vlingsregler-ocr-2023.pdf

Competition Classes

To participate in competition classes, the participant must represent a club that is a member of Svenska Friidrottsförbundet.

General Conduct

Competition tactics are part of the interaction between competitors, and the competitor is obliged to:

  • Follow and not deviate from the predetermined race course.
  • Exercise good sportsmanship at all times.
  • Follow the intention of a rule even if the exact wording of the rule can be interpreted in different ways.
  • Be responsible for their own and others’ safety.
  • Follow instructions from officials/judges.
  • Treat other competitors, officials, volunteers, media, sponsors, and spectators with respect and politeness.

General Rules

1. Obstacle Attempts

1.1 A fair attempt to complete an obstacle requires the competitor to apply their full body weight to the obstacle.

1.2 “Touch and go” attempts made with the intention of failing an obstacle will result in disqualification.

1.3 Obstacles marked as “One Attempt Only” allow only one attempt. All other obstacles allow unlimited attempts.

2. Wristband System & Penalties

2.1 All competitors are assigned three (3) wristbands before the start.

2.2 A competitor who fails an obstacle must remove one wristband and hand it to the judge.

2.3 One (1) penalty loop must be completed for each wristband that has been removed.

2.4 After the final obstacle:

  • Competitors with three (3) wristbands may proceed directly to the finish line. 
  • Competitors with zero (0) wristbands may proceed to the finish line but will not receive an official time and will be recorded as DNC (Did Not Complete). 
  • Competitors with one (1) or two (2) wristbands must enter the penalty loop. 

2.5 For each completed penalty loop, the competitor will receive one (1) penalty wristband.

2.6 After completing the required penalty loop(s), the competitor may proceed to the finish line.

2.7 It is the competitor’s responsibility to ensure they have three (3) wristbands before crossing the finish line.

2.8 Any competitor crossing the finish line with fewer than three (3) wristbands will be disqualified.

3. Finish & Results

3.1 Competitors who cross the finish line simultaneously shall be awarded a tie.

3.2 Failure to comply with these rules may result in a verbal warning and may lead to disqualification at the discretion of the officials.

4. Lanes & Obstacle Conduct

4.1 For obstacles with lanes, access is on a first-come, first-served basis.

4.2 Competitors may not:

  • Push past another competitor, 
  • Overtake within the same lane, or 
  • Switch lanes during an obstacle. 

4.3 For obstacles with defined start and finish lines:

  • Stepping on or walking along the line is prohibited. 
  • Touching the ground between the start and finish lines is prohibited. 
  • The obstacle structure may not be used for support unless explicitly permitted. 

5. Equipment & Appearance

5.1 The competitor’s race number must be clearly visible at all times during the race, either on a headband or written on the competitor’s body with a permanent marker.

5.2 All competitors must wear their club’s official competition uniform.

5.3 Competing barefoot is prohibited.

5.4 Shoes with metal spikes or cleats are prohibited.

6. Media Rights

6.1 Photos and videos taken by the organizer during the competition may be used for marketing or related purposes without compensation.

6.2 By registering, the participant consents to this use.

7. Liability & Responsibility

7.1 Participants compete at their own risk.

7.2 Participants may not make claims against Tough Viking or the landowner before, during, or after the event.

7.3 Participants are responsible for preparing themselves appropriately and for reviewing all race information provided prior to the event.

7.4 Rule Awareness and Updates

Competitors are obligated to be familiar with and understand all current competition rules. It is the competitor’s responsibility to review and verify the official rules no later than seven (7) days prior to the competition in order to stay informed of any updates, amendments, or rule changes.

Start Lists and competitor Ranking

  • Start lists for all Tough Viking competition classes shall be established using an official competitor ranking system. The ranking is designed to ensure that the highest‑ranked competitors are placed in the same heats, creating a fair and competitive environment. The ranking-based start list determines heat placement, and the competitor with the fastest time will win, unless otherwise required by governing regulations.

Publication of Start Lists

  • The Organizer shall begin preparing the official start lists no later than fourteen (14) days prior to each race and shall publish the finalized start lists in good time before the event. Once published, the start lists shall be considered final, except for adjustments required for safety, logistics, or rule compliance.

Late Registrations

  • Competitors who complete registration later than fourteen (14) days prior to the competition date shall be assigned to the final start group for their category, regardless of ranking or historical performance. No exceptions shall be granted unless explicitly authorized by the Race Director for operational or safety reasons.